5 Safety Tips for Seniors in the Sun

Senior Care in Palatine IL

It’s always fun to be able to include all family members, including elderly loved ones, in outdoor summer activities, but it’s especially important to make sure that elderly relatives are safe in the warm weather. These tips are equally important whether loved ones are attending family events or heading out for errands in the summer with senior care providers.

Always Wear Sunscreen

Elderly loved ones should wear sunscreen every time that they’re outside. It’s best to use a sunscreen that is effective against both UVB and UVA rays for the most protection. Look for a sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or greater. Make sure that elderly loved ones have sunscreen on at least 15 minutes before they go out into the sun and that they reapply often, particularly if they’re around water or sweating. Even if you can’t be there to help, in-home care providers can help out with applying sunscreen and keeping track of when to reapply.

Check Medications for Side Effects

Elderly relatives often take quite a bit of different medications, and some of those medications cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Before going out in the sun with your elderly loved one, check her medication labels carefully to see if there are any additional concerns. This could affect how long your loved one is out in the sun, even if she feels fine at the time.

Dress Appropriately

When going out into the sun, it’s a good idea to make sure your elderly loved one is dressed appropriately for the weather. Loose clothing that is lightweight helps to let cooling breezes through while helping to protect skin. Hats can help to keep the sun off of your loved one’s face and neck. Sunglasses with UVA- and UVB-blocking lenses help to protect your loved one’s eyes.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

It’s always good for elderly loved ones to drink plenty of water each day, but it’s especially important when they will be out in the sun. As your elderly loved ones age, they don’t always recognize that they’re becoming dehydrated. Avoid sweetened drinks, if possible, since those can increase dehydration symptoms. Elder care providers can help to ensure that your loved one has fresh, cool water on hand for outings.

Head in for Air Conditioning

If at all possible, make sure that your elderly loved one heads inside frequently to an air conditioned location. The air conditioning helps to reduce humidity, but it also helps to lower core body temperature if your loved one is starting to overheat.

By taking some important precautions, you can ensure that whether your loved one is with you or with senior care help, she’s protected during the hottest part of the year.

Carl Erickson started a supply company in 1982, and went national in 1996. In 1999 the needs of his immediate family took precedence in his life, thus in 2000 he opened Harmony Home Care. He opened Harmony Home Care so that he was able to take the best care of his family that he could. Then in 2001, Carl expanded the company and began providing caregiving services to others in the local community. In 2002 the addition of medical equipment and supplies took the company further, and a move to a storefront location followed shortly. After receiving numerous requests for handicap transports, Carl added a medi-van and started wheelchair transports. In 2009, due to more growth the company moved to it's current location. Since opening in 2001 Harmony Home Care has remained in Barrington, serving the people of this great community.

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About Carl Erickson

Carl Erickson started a supply company in 1982, and went national in 1996. In 1999 the needs of his immediate family took precedence in his life, thus in 2000 he opened Harmony Home Care. He opened Harmony Home Care so that he was able to take the best care of his family that he could. Then in 2001, Carl expanded the company and began providing caregiving services to others in the local community. In 2002 the addition of medical equipment and supplies took the company further, and a move to a storefront location followed shortly. After receiving numerous requests for handicap transports, Carl added a medi-van and started wheelchair transports. In 2009, due to more growth the company moved to it's current location. Since opening in 2001 Harmony Home Care has remained in Barrington, serving the people of this great community.

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